Skyline Route Info

[7birdies]

I ran up to Flatrock on Saturday, on the way back down just before heading down into what I believe was the top of the shady slope area I noticed what appeared to be a route that went south. (I didn't look at my elevation at the time, but I'm guessing somewhere between 3000-3500 ft) I'm not looking for any short cuts, my times aren't particularly meaningful to me. I'm just looking to educate myself about the trail so I can stay on the "main" route as much as possible. If any of you Skyline vets can enlighten me about this section of mountain that would be great.

[zippetydude]

From your description it sounds like what you saw was a section of the original trail that made a long out and back off to the south, maybe 1/2 mile or so, and it didn't gain any elevation to speak of. It co-existed with "the shortcut" when I first started doing Skyline years ago, and they were both about equally worn even back then. Over time, since the long side trip is unnecessary, "the shortcut" has become the main route. It's really a very pleasant side trip, though, and if you'd like to take a break on the way up or down and just enjoy the mountain, I've done that before and it offers the same great views and a comfortable stroll as well. The new route is taken by most, as far as I can tell, not to go faster, but simply because it's the most efficient route and maintains the steep climb that the rest of the trail offers. If you're a runner, the old route is a great place to open it up and stretch your legs out. You can really fly along that section and it feels good in the middle of a steep, uphill trudge. Sometimes, I'll just go up to that point and eat a snack, take a few pictures, and enjoy the place, then go back down. Check it out next time you go!

z

[7birdies]

Thank you very much for the info. Z It sounds like a nice spot. I didn't notice this route on the way up (I tend to miss more than I'd like slogging away on the uphills) On the way up, would you catch this original south route just above Rescue Box 1?